The other shoe drops...
In the back of my mind, I always knew another seizure was a possibility, but I tried hard to convince myself that the first time was more a matter of circumstance (alcohol, dehydration, etc) than an actual seizure disorder.
Well, that fear has come true.
Wednesday, while returning to work from lunch, I lost consciousness outside of the elevators on the 3rd floor of my office building, not regaining it fully until I was on a gurney headed to an ambulance. While we don't know 100% what happened, as no one actually witnessed my fall or the seizure, the assumption is that I had another "grand mal" seizure. From what I've been able to determine after the fact, if it was a seizure, it was a fairly brief one.
I was dismissed from the emergency room the same day, on a fresh dose of dilantin that I'm guessing will become a staple for the rest of my life. The neurologist will determine that, I guess I'm just trying to prepare myself.
Of course this means I can't drive for 6 months, minimum. In an added twist (from last time), I can't ride my horse either. Hopefully the doctor will release me sooner on the horse thing, I doubt the state of NC will be so accommodating. It makes sense though, if I'm going to have a seizure, on the back of my horse is probably the last place I'd want to be.
Such is life. I know it could be far worse. But its hard not to look at the events and ask "why me, why now?" I try not to dwell on such things, as its not really productive, but my brain goes there sometimes whether I like it or not if you know what I mean.
Overall I think I'm pretty accepting of the days events, but I'll admit to moments of weakness from time to time. I'm thankful that I have such an amazing woman by my side to see me through all of this.
The visit to the neurologist is in a few weeks, and hopefully we'll have more information then.
Moments like this help remind me how rich my life truly is, I could not be more thankful right now.
*********
Public Service Announcement
If you see someone, like me, having a seizure:
If you see someone having a non-convulsive seizure, remember that the person’s behavior is not intentional. The person may wander aimlessly or make alarming or unusual gestures. You can help by following these guidelines:
Well, that fear has come true.
Wednesday, while returning to work from lunch, I lost consciousness outside of the elevators on the 3rd floor of my office building, not regaining it fully until I was on a gurney headed to an ambulance. While we don't know 100% what happened, as no one actually witnessed my fall or the seizure, the assumption is that I had another "grand mal" seizure. From what I've been able to determine after the fact, if it was a seizure, it was a fairly brief one.
I was dismissed from the emergency room the same day, on a fresh dose of dilantin that I'm guessing will become a staple for the rest of my life. The neurologist will determine that, I guess I'm just trying to prepare myself.
Of course this means I can't drive for 6 months, minimum. In an added twist (from last time), I can't ride my horse either. Hopefully the doctor will release me sooner on the horse thing, I doubt the state of NC will be so accommodating. It makes sense though, if I'm going to have a seizure, on the back of my horse is probably the last place I'd want to be.
Such is life. I know it could be far worse. But its hard not to look at the events and ask "why me, why now?" I try not to dwell on such things, as its not really productive, but my brain goes there sometimes whether I like it or not if you know what I mean.
Overall I think I'm pretty accepting of the days events, but I'll admit to moments of weakness from time to time. I'm thankful that I have such an amazing woman by my side to see me through all of this.
The visit to the neurologist is in a few weeks, and hopefully we'll have more information then.
Moments like this help remind me how rich my life truly is, I could not be more thankful right now.
*********
Public Service Announcement
If you see someone, like me, having a seizure:
- Roll the person on his or her side to prevent choking on any fluids or vomit.
- Cushion the person’s head.
- Loosen any tight clothing around the neck.
- Keep the person’s airway open. If necessary, grip the person’s jaw gently and tilt his or her head back.
- Do NOT restrict the person from moving unless he or she is in danger.
- Do NOT put anything into the person’s mouth, not even medicine or liquid. These can cause choking or damage to the person’s jaw, tongue, or teeth. Contrary to widespread belief, people cannot swallow their tongues during a seizure or any other time.
- Remove any sharp or solid objects that the person might hit during the seizure.
- Note how long the seizure lasts and what symptoms occurred so you can tell a doctor or emergency personnel if necessary.
- Stay with the person until the seizure ends.
- The person is pregnant or has diabetes.
- The seizure happened in water.
- The seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes.
- The person does not begin breathing again and return to consciousness after the seizure stops.
- Another seizure starts before the person regains consciousness.
- The person injures himself or herself during the seizure.
- This is a first seizure or you think it might be. If in doubt, check to see if the person has a medical identification card or jewelry stating that they have epilepsy or a seizure disorder.
If you see someone having a non-convulsive seizure, remember that the person’s behavior is not intentional. The person may wander aimlessly or make alarming or unusual gestures. You can help by following these guidelines:
- Remove any dangerous objects from the area around the person or in his or her path.
- Don’t try to stop the person from wandering unless he or she is in danger.
- Don’t shake the person or shout.
- Stay with the person until he or she is completely alert.